More Topics

Weather Forecast

Johnny Rockets restaurant closes in West Acres mall

A crowd descended on Johnny Rockets on its opening day back in 2015. The restaurant closed for business in the West Acres food court Friday, Dec. 1, 2017. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor

FARGO—Johnny Rockets, a restaurant chain that has served up burgers and shakes in the West Acres Shopping Center's food court since 2015, closed Friday, Dec. 1.

"Businesses in the food court have the benefit of exposure to thousands of mall visitors each day, and overall the West Acres food court is performing well with restaurants seeing positive comps in sales," wrote Alissa Adams, senior vice president of marketing and business development for West Acres.

"However, these businesses have to compete with one another and ultimately their ability to survive comes down to being able to draw the customer in and away from your competitors and keep them coming back with your product and experience. If you're unsuccessful at that, you're not going to be successful overall in the food court environment. We wish the owners the best of luck with their future endeavors."

The restaurant was locally owned and operated by VR Industries LLC, according to Forum archives. Randy Martinson and Vance Stemen were serving as principals of the organization when Johnny Rockets opened.

Six dining options remain in the food court, and Adams said West Acres has plans to add one more. The remaining space will be utilized for non-traditional food court tenants.